Multiple-play gaming apparatus and method therefor

ABSTRACT

A multiple-play gaming apparatus and method therefor having a roulette wheel capable of generating numbers for secondary play in order to provide a user with an additional chance to match numbers with a previously displayed set of numbers.

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to a corresponding provisional application U.S. Serial No. 60/317,945 filed Sep. 10, 2001 in the name of the applicant of this application.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates generally to slot machines and methods therefor and, more particularly, to a slot machine having a plurality of reels or reel symbols that display a number on each reel, which, if matched to a set of previously selected or randomly generated numbers will result in a payoff to a user according to a pre-determined pay schedule. For every number on a reel that does not match a number previously selected or received, a roulette wheel or roulette wheel image will generate a new number to give the player an additional chance to match the original numbers on the reels.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Gaming machines, such as slot machines and video poker machines, account for a majority of the gaming industry revenue in the State of Nevada, slot machines, both mechanical and video, which generally have one or more spinning reels, are the most classic gaming device, having existed for more than 100 years. Originally, a player would insert a coin into the slot machine and pull a handle or lever which would mechanically set the reels spinning. Usually the reels contained symbols of some kind, such as cherries, the number “7” and other pictures and numbers. Eventually the reels would stop spinning, leaving a row across the middle of symbols and/or numbers. If the combination of symbols and/or numbers corresponded to an advertised payout schedule, then the player would receive a corresponding payment.

[0004] Most present day slot machines are controlled by computer chips that control the random symbol/number generators in order to control the total payout of each machine. While some slot machines still have mechanical reels and handles, many have computer screens with digital reel images and buttons to initiate a new reel spin. In either case, a computer most often controls the selection of the symbols or numbers.

[0005] Many slot machines and other wagering games such as keno, bingo, roulette and lottery type games involve the pre-selection of numbers which, if matched with later-established numbers, result in a payout according to a pre-determined payout scale. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,756,531 issued to DiRe et al. shows a slot machine game in which a player selects up to a certain amount of numbers corresponding to the number of reels or indicators on the slot machine. The player then initiates the generation of numbers on the slot machine and is paid according to a payout schedule for matching pre-selected numbers with the numbers generated by the slot machine. U.S. Pat. No. 4,836,546 issued to DiRe et al. offers a player multiple opportunities to achieve a winning result. If a player selects a number that is subsequently shown on one of the reels, the player is eligible to “re-spin” other reels to try and obtain a number that matches one of the pre-selected numbers.

[0006] The prior art slot machines that offer a secondary play, or second chance to match the pre-selected numbers with the numbers on the reels, simply allow the player to “re-spin” the reels. Such an action is redundant and can lead to boredom. A slot machine that utilizes another game altogether for secondary play offers a player more variety and is more entertaining.

[0007] A need therefore existed for a new, exciting multiple-play gaming apparatus having a roulette wheel capable of generating numbers for secondary play.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a slot machine-type gaming device having a roulette wheel used to generate numbers for secondary play.

[0009] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for playing a gaming machine in which a player has the opportunity to use a roulette wheel to generate numbers for secondary play.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a multiple-play gaming apparatus is disclosed, comprising, in combination a slot machine-type gaming device having a plurality of number displays and a random number generator capable of generating numbers to be displayed on each of the plurality of number displays, a user number input coupled to the slot machine-type gaming device and dimensioned to allow a user to input an amount of numbers corresponding to an amount of the plurality of number displays, an activation device coupled to the slot machine-type gaming device and dimensioned to allow a user to activate the activation device in order to initiate a display of numbers on the number displays, and a roulette-type wheel coupled to the slot machine-type gaming device and dimensioned to generate at least one number for display in order to provide a player with an additional opportunity to match the at least one number of the roulette wheel with the displayed numbers of the number displays.

[0011] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method for playing a multiple-play gaming apparatus is disclosed comprising, in combination, the steps of providing a slot machine-type gaming device having a plurality of number displays and a random number generator, the random number generator generating numbers to be displayed on each of the plurality of number displays, providing a user number input coupled to the slot machine-type gaming device, a user inputting an amount of numbers corresponding to an amount of the plurality of number displays, providing an activation device coupled to the slot machine-type gaming device, a user activating the activation device in order to initiate a display of numbers on the number displays, providing a roulette wheel coupled to the slot machine-type gaming device, the roulette-type wheel generating at least one number for display in order to provide a player with an additional opportunity to match the at least one number of the roulette wheel with the displayed numbers of the number displays.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the multiple-play gaming apparatus of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Referring to FIG. 1, a multiple-play gaming apparatus, hereinafter multiple-play gaming apparatus 10, is shown. The multiple-play gaming apparatus 10 comprises a slot machine-type gaming device 12 having a plurality of number displays 14 and a random number generator capable of generating numbers to be displayed on each of the plurality of number displays 14. In the preferred embodiment, there are five number displays 14, although it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative embodiment of the multiple-play gaming apparatus in which more or less number displays 14 are used. It should also be understood that it is within the scope of this invention that he number displays 14 can be in the form of computer-generated images or actual mechanical reels.

[0015] The multiple-play gaming apparatus 10 further comprises a user number input 16 coupled to the slot machine-type gaming device 12. The user number input 16 is dimensioned to allow a user to input an amount of numbers corresponding to an amount of the plurality of number displays 14. For example, if there are five number displays or reels, then the user could choose five separate numbers. Alternatively, the user could elect to have a random number generator choose the five separate numbers.

[0016] The multiple-play gaming apparatus 10 further comprises an activation device 18 coupled to the slot machine-type gaming device 12. The activation device 18 is dimensioned to allow a user to activate the activation device 18 in order to initiate a display of numbers on the number displays 14. Preferably, the activation device 18 is a button, although it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative embodiment of the multiple-play gaming apparatus 10 in which the activation device 18 is a handle, a lever, some other kind of interface or a combination thereof.

[0017] The multiple-play gaming apparatus 10 further comprises a roulette-type wheel 20 coupled to the slot machine-type gaming device 12. The roulette-type wheel 20 is dimensioned to generate at least one number for display in order to provide a user with an additional opportunity to match the at least one number of the roulette-type wheel 20 with the displayed numbers of the number displays 14. Preferably, the roulette-type wheel is a computer-generated image, although it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative embodiment of the multiple-play gaming apparatus 10 in which the roulette-type wheel is an actual mechanical wheel.

[0018] In the preferred embodiment, the numbers to be displayed on the number displays 14 and the numbers provided through the user number input 16 and the at least one number of the roulette-type wheel 20 are all taken from a pre-selected range of numbers. Preferably, this pre-selected range of numbers is 1-15, although it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative configuration of the multiple-play gaming apparatus 10 in which an alternative range of pre-selected numbers, such as 12, 24 or some other range, is used.

[0019] In the preferred embodiment, the multiple-play gaming apparatus 10 further comprises a payout mechanism 22 coupled to the slot machine-type gaming device 12 and dimensioned to pay a user according to a pre-determined pay scale if the numbers of the user number input 16 match the numbers displayed on the number displays 14. For example, if a user chooses the numbers “3”, “5”, “7”, “9” and “11” and two of those same numbers appear on the number displays 14, then the user is paid an amount according to the pay scale.

Statement of Operation

[0020] Referring to FIG. 1, in order to use the multiple-play gaming apparatus 10, a user must first input a set of numbers into the user number input 16. If there are five number displays 14 then the user must select five separate numbers. The user may choose to have a random-number generator select those numbers for the user. If the slot machine-type gaming device 12 is a gambling device, the user will first be required to insert money either into a coin slot 24, a bill collector 26, or through some kind of credit card or other credit system. If the user already has credits stored within the slot machine-type gaming device 12, the user may choose the amount of credit he or she wishes to wager using buttons 21 and 23, although it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative embodiment of the multiple-play gaming apparatus in which some other user interface is used to determine the amount of credits or money the user wishes to wager. The numbers selected by the user can be displayed on the slot machine-type gaming device either beneath the number displays 14 or superimposed over the number displays 14. After the user has selected or received numbers, the user must then activate the activation button 18 in order to initiate a display of numbers on the number displays 14. If the user fails to match all of the previously selected or received numbers through the user number input with all of the numbers displayed on the number displays 14, then the user can use the roulette-type wheel 20 as a secondary play to try and receive a number or numbers from the roulette-type wheel 20 to match any previously unmatched numbers displayed on the number displays 14. In one embodiment, the use of the roulette-type wheel 20 is automatic. In another embodiment, the user must select the number displays 14 that have been successfully matched by pressing a “keep/discard” button 27. The user can then use the roulette-type wheel 20 to try and receive new numbers to match the number displays 14. Preferably, the user receives this secondary play through the roulette-type wheel without additional payment, although it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative embodiment of the multiple-play gaming apparatus in which the user does have to pay an additional fee for the use of the secondary play roulette-type wheel 20.

[0021] While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

I claim:
 1. A multiple-play gaming apparatus comprising, in combination: a slot machine-type gaming device having a plurality of number displays and a random number generator capable of generating numbers to be displayed on each of said plurality of number displays; a user number input coupled to said slot machine-type gaming device and dimensioned to allow a user to input an amount of numbers corresponding to an amount of said plurality of number displays; an activation device coupled to said slot machine-type gaming device and dimensioned to allow a user to activate said activation device in order to initiate a display of numbers on said number displays; and a roulette-type wheel coupled to said slot machine-type gaming device and dimensioned to generate at least one number for display in order to provide a user with an additional opportunity to match said at least one number of said roulette-type wheel with said displayed numbers of said number displays.
 2. The multiple play gaming apparatus of claim 1 wherein said number displays of said slot machine-type gaming device are computer-generated images.
 3. The multiple play gaming apparatus of claim 1 wherein said number displays of said apparatus comprise five reels.
 4. The multiple play gaming apparatus of claim 1 wherein said numbers to be displayed on said number displays and said numbers provided through said user number input and said at least one number of said roulette-type wheel are all taken from a pre-selected range of numbers.
 5. The multiple play gaming apparatus of claim 4 wherein said pre-selected range of numbers is 1-15.
 6. The multiple play gaming apparatus of claim 1 wherein said activation device comprises a button.
 7. The multiple play gaming apparatus of claim 1 wherein said user number input comprises a random number generator capable of inputting for a user randomly generated numbers.
 8. The multiple play gaming apparatus of claim 1 wherein said roulette-type wheel is comprised of a computer-generated image.
 9. The multiple play gaming apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a payout mechanism coupled to said slot machine-type gaming device, dimensioned to pay a user according to a pre-determined pay scale if said numbers of said user number input match said numbers displayed on said number displays.
 10. The multiple play gaming apparatus of claim 1 wherein said at least one number of said roulette-type wheel is provided without additional payment by said user.
 11. A method for playing a multiple-play gaming apparatus comprising, in combination, the steps of: providing a slot machine-type gaming device having a plurality of number displays and a random number generator; said random number generator generating numbers to be displayed on each of said plurality of number displays; providing a user number input coupled to said slot machine-type gaming device; a user inputting an amount of numbers corresponding to an amount of said plurality of number displays; providing an activation device coupled to said slot machine-type gaming device; a user activating said activation device in order to initiate a display of numbers on said number displays; providing a roulette wheel coupled to said slot machine-type gaming device; and said roulette-type wheel generating at least one number for display in order to provide a user with an additional opportunity to match said at least one number of said roulette-type wheel with said displayed numbers of said number displays.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein said plurality of number displays are computer-generated images.
 13. The method of claim 11 wherein said number displays of said apparatus comprise five reels.
 14. The method of claim 11 wherein said numbers to be displayed on said number displays and said numbers provided through said user number input and said at least one number of said roulette-type wheel are all taken from a pre-selected range of numbers.
 15. The method of claim 14 wherein said pre-selected range of numbers is 1-15.
 16. The method of claim 11 wherein said activation device comprises a button.
 17. The method of claim 11 wherein said user number input comprises a random number generator capable of inputting for a user randomly generated numbers.
 18. The method of claim 11 wherein said roulette-type wheel is comprised of a computer-generated image.
 19. The method of claim 11 further comprising the step of paying said user according to a pre-determined pay scale if said numbers of said user number input match said numbers displayed on said number displays.
 20. The method of claim 11 further comprising the step of providing said user with said number generated by said roulette-type wheel without additional payment by said user. 